CAT 238-3298 Spacer Sleeve

CAT 238-3298 is a Caterpillar sleeve-specific positioning/adjusting shim, compatible with the connecting rod pins, shaft pins, or drive shaft sleeve bearings of Cat 320/323 excavators, 966K/972K loaders, D6T bulldozers, and other models. It is used to adjust the axial clearance of sleeve bearings, position bearings, and assist in sealing. It is a key shim-type part of Cat that ensures the coaxiality of components and prevents axial movement in transmission and working devices. The following is structured technical and application information:

Core Technical Parameters

Item Details
Basic Attributes
Model 238-3298, Type: Sleeve Positioning Adjustment Shim, Material: 65Mn Spring Steel (Galvanized and Passivated Surface, Salt Spray Resistance ≥240h), Single Weight: Approx. 0.12 kg, Suitable Temperature: -40℃ to +150℃, Flatness: ≤0.02 mm, Roughness: Ra≤1.6 μm, Asbestos-Free Environmentally Friendly Material, Suitable Oil Type: SAE 10W-30/15W-40 Gear Oil / Engine Oil

Key Dimensions
Inner Diameter: 65 mm (Tolerance H8, Suitable for 526-9334 Sleeve Bearing Outer Diameter), Outer Diameter: 80 mm (Tolerance g7), Thickness: 2.0 mm (Tolerance ±0.05 mm, 1.5/2.5 mm optional), Chamfer 0.5×45°, no mounting holes (positioned by clamping the sleeve to the end face of the housing), axial positioning step height 1.0 mm (tolerance ±0.03 mm)

Compatible Models and Applications: Compatible with both ends of the boom linkage pin sleeve of Cat 320 excavator, both sides of the stick pin sleeve of 323 excavator, end face of the steering tie rod pin sleeve of 966K loader, and positioning end of the idler wheel axle sleeve of D6T bulldozer. Two sleeves are provided per sleeve (one at each end) for adjusting the axial clearance of the bearing (standard clearance 0.05-0.10 mm), positioning the bearing, and preventing axial movement.

Performance Parameters: Tensile strength ≥980 MPa, Yield strength ≥785 MPa, Hardness HRC42-48, Elastic modulus 206 GPa, Axial load capacity ≥50 kN, Oil resistance (volume change rate ≤2% after 120h immersion), Impact toughness ≥15 J/cm² Structural and Performance Advantages

Precise Clearance Adjustment: Thickness tolerance ±0.05 mm allows for precise adjustment of the axial clearance of the sleeve bearing to 0.05-0.10 mm, ensuring coaxiality of the shaft system and preventing component vibration and abnormal noise due to excessive clearance or jamming and wear caused by insufficient clearance.

Reliable Axial Positioning: The spring steel material combined with the axial positioning step prevents deformation after clamping, effectively limiting the axial movement of the sleeve bearing. It is suitable for frequent impacts and vibrations under heavy-load conditions, ensuring stable operation of the transmission system.

Combined Protection Function: Surface galvanized passivation treatment provides salt spray resistance ≥240h, suitable for humid and dusty construction environments; it also helps seal the gap between the sleeve and the housing end face, reducing oil leakage and improving the overall protective effect of the sealing system.

Highly adaptable: The 65 mm inner diameter precisely matches 526-9334 sleeve bearings, while the 80 mm outer diameter fits the housing mounting cavity. Thickness options of 1.5/2.0/2.5 mm are available to meet the clearance adjustment needs of different models and parts, offering high versatility.

Installation and Maintenance Points: Before installation, clean the shims, sleeve bearing end faces, and housing positioning surfaces. Check the shims for deformation, cracks, and rust. Select the appropriate shim thickness according to the clearance requirements. During installation, the shim should be tightly fitted against the sleeve end face, with a coaxiality ≤0.03 mm. Secure with housing bolts to prevent shim misalignment.

Every 1500 hours of maintenance: Check the shims for wear and deformation (replace if flatness deviation ≥0.05 mm). Measure the axial clearance of the sleeve. If it exceeds the range of 0.05-0.10 mm, replace with a shim of the appropriate thickness for adjustment. If rust or oil accumulation appears on the shim surface, clean and check its performance; replace if necessary.

Original parts should be given priority. Aftermarket parts may have problems such as excessive thickness tolerance, insufficient material hardness, and poor surface treatment, which can easily lead to failure of clearance adjustment, deformation and breakage of shims, causing axial movement of the sleeve bearing, oil leakage, and affecting the normal operation of the working device and transmission system.